Popular former Republic of Ireland winger – Stephen Hunt, is a Football League Championship winner with Reading and Nations Cup winner with the Republic of Ireland. Individually, the Irish icon has been Player of the Year for both Hull and Reading, and was in the Championship PFA Team of the Year. Hunt played for a string of top club teams during his fantastic playing days, such as Crystal Palace, Brentford, Reading, Hull City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Ipswich Town and Coventry City. The Irishman also featured 39 times for his national team, becoming a firm favourite under Giovanni Trapattoni.

Hunt is well known for his successful spell at Reading, playing 155 times for the club and scoring 17 goals. Due to his spell-binding performances on the wing for the Royals, Hunt attracted the attention of established Premier League teams. Reading had to reject a number of bids from Sunderland for Hunt, as the club reiterated that they had no intention of selling him due to how well he was playing. To fend off competition, Reading persuaded Hunt to sign a new deal, which kept him at the club until 2011. In the 2008 season, the tricky winger scored 6 goals in 39 appearances for Reading, becoming a fan favourite.

After his great playing career, Hunt has worked in the media for Irish television broadcaster RTE as a pundit and match analyst. The captivating figure also writes a football column for the Irish Independent, which he has been doing since 2014. Not ruling out a return to the game, he is currently working towards obtaining his UEFA coaching badges.